Time to Deliver: Lions Want More Consistency From Former Third-Round Pick on the Defensive Line

The Detroit Lions are no longer in the business of waiting around. Under general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have made an impressive leap from rebuilding to reloading, entering the 2025 season as legitimate contenders in the NFC. With expectations higher than they’ve been in decades, Detroit’s message to players is simple: it’s time to produce, and it’s time to produce now.

That urgency extends to every corner of the roster—including players who were once viewed as future cornerstones. And few names are drawing more attention in that regard than defensive lineman Alim McNeill, the former third-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft. The Lions have made it clear: they believe in his talent, they’ve seen flashes of dominance, and now, they need more.

McNeill has become one of the focal points of offseason discussions within the organization. While his moments of brilliance are hard to ignore—particularly against the run—Detroit is pushing him to turn flashes into full-game consistency, and consistency into impact.

Alim McNeill arrived in Detroit with high expectations. Selected 72nd overall out of NC State, he was touted as a powerful, athletic nose tackle with untapped pass-rushing potential. The early part of his career showed promise. He started 11 games as a rookie, showing impressive leverage and strength at the point of attack. In his second year, he improved his technique and conditioning, earning praise for his development in both run defense and limited pass-rush situations.

By 2023, the coaching staff felt McNeill was on the verge of becoming a game-changer. He slimmed down, worked with specialists in the offseason, and began to show more burst off the line. In several games, he dominated stretches of play—collapsing pockets, shedding double teams, and showing up in big moments. But those moments remained inconsistent. There were weeks when McNeill was a factor on nearly every snap—and others where he disappeared.

That inconsistency is what now drives the Lions’ sense of urgency. They aren’t waiting for McNeill to “figure it out.” They’re challenging him to step up as a veteran leader on a defense that’s teeming with young talent and hungry for stars. His physical gifts are undeniable—explosive first step, tremendous lower-body strength, and rare agility for a man his size. But the Lions want more than physical traits. They want the full package.

One issue that’s been highlighted is stamina. While McNeill trimmed down and improved his conditioning over the past two years, Detroit’s coaching staff still believes he has another level to reach in terms of endurance and consistency throughout four quarters. In the past, he’s played at an elite level in short bursts, then worn down as games progressed. That’s no longer acceptable for a team chasing a division title.

Coaches have also emphasized technique. McNeill has tremendous raw strength, but at times he’s relied too much on bull rushes and hasn’t fully developed his pass-rush arsenal. The Lions want to see him become more disruptive in passing situations, not just a space-eater on early downs. He has the tools to generate interior pressure—a valuable commodity in today’s NFL—and Detroit believes he can be a difference-maker if he refines his hand usage and develops more counters.

Beyond the technical aspects, there’s a leadership component to McNeill’s evolving role. With veterans like Michael Brockers no longer in the building and with young players like Brodric Martin and rookies stepping into bigger roles, the Lions need McNeill to become a vocal presence on the defensive line. Coaches say he’s grown more confident, more assertive, and more comfortable holding others accountable. That’s a positive step—but it needs to translate to his performance on Sundays.

McNeill himself has embraced the challenge. Speaking to reporters during offseason workouts, he acknowledged the need to be better. “I’ve got high expectations for myself, and the coaches do too,” he said. “I know what I can do. I’ve got to bring that every week. Not just some of the time—every time I’m out there.”

He also spoke about focusing on durability and consistency. “This year, it’s about staying in top shape, being smart with my body, and making sure I’m ready to bring it every play. Because I know what’s at stake. We’re not just trying to make the playoffs—we’re trying to win it all.”

Those words have resonated in Allen Park, where teammates and coaches alike have been encouraged by McNeill’s mindset. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn praised McNeill’s maturity and work ethic this offseason. “Alim’s a big part of what we’re building,” Glenn said. “He’s powerful, he’s smart, and he’s hungry. But now it’s about doing it every single play. That’s what we’re pushing him to do.”

Glenn also highlighted the opportunity McNeill has to become one of the best at his position. “There’s no ceiling on what he can be. He’s got that kind of ability. But in this league, it’s all about consistency. And he knows that.”

Detroit’s depth on the defensive line has improved significantly over the past two years. Aidan Hutchinson is developing into one of the league’s premier edge rushers. Josh Paschal and John Cominsky offer versatility, and new additions through the draft and free agency have added competition across the board. That means there’s no room for complacency. The Lions are no longer in a place where a player can rest on potential. It’s produce or get replaced.

McNeill, to his credit, seems to understand that better than ever. This offseason has seen him take on more responsibility—both in the weight room and in the film room. He’s been seen working closely with position coaches and younger teammates, setting the tone during walkthroughs and conditioning drills.

The team’s belief in him hasn’t wavered—but the clock is ticking. At 24 years old and entering his fourth NFL season, McNeill is at a crossroads. He can take the next step and become the disruptive force the Lions envisioned when they drafted him—or risk becoming another talented player who never quite put it all together.

For the Lions, this isn’t just about one player. It’s about building a defense that can carry them deep into the playoffs. It’s about having difference-makers at every level. And if McNeill can reach his full potential, he could be one of the catalysts that takes Detroit from contender to champion.

Fans should watch closely when the season begins. Will McNeill dominate the trenches consistently, drawing double teams and freeing up others to make plays? Will he become a three-down presence who can collapse pockets and finish plays? Or will he continue to flash brilliance one week and vanish the next?

The answers will come soon enough. One thing is certain: the Lions aren’t treating this like just another year for Alim McNeill. They’re treating it like the year—the year he proves he’s not just part of the plan, but a foundational piece of the franchise’s future.

In Detroit, the time is now. And for Alim McNeill, there’s no more waiting, no more excuses. It’s time to be great—and do it every snap.